Where The Wild Things Are- Showy Ladyslippers

Spring has passed. All the spring ephemerals have faded, replaced by knee high greens. There seems to be a pause in the blooms, with the geraniums loosing petals in the winds, and others not yet ready to show their finery. The exception to this are the orchids. The Showy Orchis have disappeared, but the Showy Ladyslippers are just beginning. Down in the sunny bog areas they are beginning to bloom, while in the shadier spots nothing by the rising foliage is visible. In the next two weeks there will be some blooming along the road by the wood shed. Easily viewed by anyone who cares to look, these are a joy each summer. 

Deeper in the wet places the Northern Bog Orchids are blooming. Either it is a good year for them, or I am getting better at spotting them! I am adding to my list of things I want to do in the woods the spotting of as many orchids as I can. It is a tedious process. They are tiny compared to the more visible plants. They like wet feet, so my feet get wet searching for them. So small that I could easily step on them without noticing, I must move slowly. Eyes peeled. Eyes blurring with the strain of picking out green on green. Just when I am about to give up, one will suddenly appear. Well, sometimes. More often I give up and don't find any.

 I then choose an easier path. Lined with what are now old friends, plants whose names I know. Wild sasparilla, Tick trefoil, the early greens of goldenrod and aster. A touch of color catches my eye. There, on the forest floor, a tiny woodland strawberry! 

There is much to see out there, and I hope you are taking moments to stop and really look.

Showy Ladyslipper

Where The Wild Things Are- May Flowers

Strolling through the verdant greens of summer, a soft breeze, does it get better than this? Whether I walk in the open fields of down in the tamarack shaded fens, I always feel better coming out than I did going in. If I spy a new for the season flower or butterfly, so much the better! 

The May flowers have finally bloomed, like the lilacs they are slow to come this year. The iris' have yet to put on a show.  Other species seem on the mark, their seasons overlapping some of the late arrivals. Tufted Loosestrife has put in it's quick appearance. Star Flowers seem to be showing up everywhere. Golden Ragweed dots the open wetlands, next to Golden Alexanders. 

Dragonflies have emerged, zooming through the air on missions known only to them. Damselflies are lines of blue in the tall grasses. The first monarchs have arrived, hungry for a chance to feed on milkweed that has yet to bloom. Higher over head there is a change in the Summer sky over Camphill. The ospreys are absent, pushed from their hunting grounds by the territorial eagles with a chick in the nest to feed. They will find other places on the river and lakes to call their own. Deep in the woods the Barred Owls call from the thickest woods. Evenings are complete with the Woodcocks peenting over the fields. 

After a bit of rain, badly needed in the fields and gardens, the fungi population should begin to show. Dryad's Saddle (or pheasant back) is common, and Chicken of the Woods glows yellow orange in the greens. Soon Indian pipe will lift their ghostly heads, seen only by those with a close eye to the ground. 

I have updated the list of things blooming on the map in the tractor shed, if you want to know what to look for. Otherwise I suggest long and slow walks, just breathing in the summer air. 

Wild Geranium by Ann Luloff

Where The Wild Things Are- Orchids

After taking it's sweet time, spring is in full bloom. Some flowers like the bloodroots are already gone, wood anemome are still holding on, and the orchids have begun! The warblers are spotty this year, either not arriving "on time" of in low numbers. We are not in the best path to see them, as they seem to track further east, but every year brings waves of them arriving at once, only to be gone again in a few days. As few as they are, they are always a treat for winter weary eyes.

While wandering the fens the other day, I was paying close attention to where my feet were landing. So many tiny plants grow there, on the few drier spots where one can step. My first discovery was Swamp Lousewort. It is one of two of the pedicularis species that we have here. The other one, Wood Betony, is much more common on the land, on higher and drier areas.

The next thing I was thrilled to see was Naked Miterwort blooming. It is a tiny quirky plant, with blossoms that look like tiny radar dishes. There is a lot of it out there, but easily overlooked.

Then came the orchid. At four inches tall and just a small stalk with blooms on the sides, Early Yellow Coralroot is a thrill for me to find. I usually only find it by standing in a spot, balanced on some moss, and carefully looking all around me for anything. It's bright yellow color helped. I only saw two plants in the area and since they can grow for many years without blooming, it's actual population is hard to guess. There are other species of orchid out there that are just as tiny. I hope to see more this summer, while enjoying the larger species like Yellow Ladyslippers and the ever popular Showy Ladyslipper.

Just yesterday I found a Showy Orchis. They seem to pop up at random, but you may see some if you watch along the path to the path to the memorial Garden. 

I hope you are enjoying the woods and fields as much as I am!

Snow Orchid by Ann Luloff

Where The Wild Things Are- South Boundaries

The world has the gentle green blush of spring, edged with the lacy structure of still seen branches. Blue skies and small white clouds. The grasses seem to grow inches a day, the blossoms frantically popping out and disappearing just as fast. The hepatica can still be found on northern slopes, wood and rue anemone tucked into the leaves. Violets peek out from the forest floor, Downy Yellow, Dog, Common Blue.  Soon the Marsh and Small Whites will join them. The ferns are just unfurling.

The eagles nest is fast disappearing into the new leaves. I watched one of the eagles, perched on the edge of the nest, tossed about by vigorous winds the other day. I wondered if the chicks (presuming they have hatched) get seasick? Ducks and geese are nesting along the river and the larger ponds. The warblers are on their way, along with the orioles and hummingbirds. 

 In my wandering I found my way to the furthest south boundaries. Wetlands and marshy areas dot the east end, then the rolling hills of pasture land, followed by the steep plummet to the river valley. Out in the deep grasses of the flood plain, I followed deer trails that pushed through the willows on their way to the river. I was able to stand on the river banks where it leaves Camphill Land. Watching it flow but I was caught in the idea that it flows from here to the Gulf Of Mexico. If I set off in a canoe, I could wind my way all the way to New Orleans. I turned and went back the way I had come, content for now to be here. Rewarded for my being in the moment I found new to me plants among the willows and grasses. A Packera species, yet to be determined. The beginnings of pedicularis or Swamp Lousewort, another one not reported in Todd County, but all around it. This adventure I am on has lead me to discovering several County Records, really just a footnote in history for some future bored botanist to take note of. 

A deep appreciation of the opportunity to wander these lands is in my heart these days of confinement and solitude. I will be sharing my newest finds on the wall of the shed again soon, so you can benefit from the knowledge in your own walks. 

Photo Ann Luloff. The fiddleheads of Lady Fern

Where The Wild Things Are- Wander

Where I wander is off the beaten path. It is only natural because the easy to reach lands have been used for farming and houses and roads. It is the steep hills and wet areas that have been left alone. That is where I find life as it used to be, mostly undisturbed. Some of it has been used to graze livestock. The fences remain in bits and pieces, wire and wood, an occasional metal post. These are slowly being taken down by weather and the weight of decaying foliage. Even though they don't contain any livestock, they still change the woods. In places where they stand, a section or two still barricading  the flow, they make their mark. Deer trails swerve around them. Sometimes they jump them or crawl through, but like all of us deer take the easy way when they can. So they go up or down a hill, across a wet area, or just avoid an area all together. And where the deer go, so goes the other beings of the woods. This creates spots that are less traveled. Tiny oasis of undisturbed land where a plant may survive. These are the places that catch my eye these days. 

I was deep in the wet woods today. Jumping from hummock to hummock, trying to keep my feet dry. It is out here that I also find places where anything is possible. Right now it is just mosses and the tiny leaves for Naked Miterwort. In a week or two there will be many leaves unfurling from the wet ground. Some I will recognize right away. Some will look familiar, but I will need to look them up, or wait. Some will just reveal themselves in their own time. 

As I leave the woods I bend down and grab a tiny leaf. Sweet Cicely or Aniseroot? My nose told the tale. The licorice smell of Aniseroot was unmistakable. Life unfolds, and I look forward to reading the story it tells. 

Where The Wild Things Are- Bloom

It is dry out there. I realize that the river is still in flood stage. The vernal ponds are filled with water. Yet there is an underlying dryness. April traditionally brings showers that bring the longed for May flowers. We have had only a few, some that came as snow. It is dry. The dust is flying whenever a car goes by. Has this delayed the spring flowers? Probably not. Most of the spring flowers bloom from energy stored up over the fall and over winter. So the Hepatica come bursting through the dried leaves, without waiting for the showers of spring. Bright patches of purple, with the occasional white blooms, dot the forest floors. They will quickly fade away, leaving behind the leaves to grow and store up for next years blooms. 

Marsh Marigolds are popping up in the wet areas. Yellow carpets filling in the lowlands before the taller foliage fills in. If you are walking and are wondering if you will get wet feet, stay out of the marigolds. They growing standing water, even in dry years. 

What will be the next to bloom? The willows are probably already starting, although the "flowers" are not something to bring home for the table. If you watch you will see many insects around them and also the insect eaters, such as the Yellow-rumped Warblers. They are flying around, so quick you can find them hard to get a good look at them. Tree Swallows are back, flitting along the river, feeding on invisible insects and searching for nesting sights. 

I expect the Leatherwood will soon be blooming in the woods. Violet leaves are showing, which means the violets can not be far behind! 

As I type I hear rain on my roof, meaning that spring really is here, hopefully to stay! So as you get out and walk, remember to look for the little things! Soon enough they will be the big things, and then many will be gone, covered in summers green.

Photo by Ann Luloff, Round Lobed Hepatica

Where The Wild Things Are- Weather Rules Our Lives

Once again the weather rules our lives. As I watched out my window, it went from sunny to heavy snow and back again in minutes. The wind has been strong, the temps low. Next week it is supposed to be in the 60's. I console myself by remembering that most of the plants are yet to come up, and those that have, are used to Minnesota springs. The birds that have laid eggs hunker down and protect their eggs, those that haven't yet will be fine. I have seen photos of eagles on their nests covered in inches of snow. They just wait it out. So I will wait, however impatiently, for this to blow past. 

Just a few days ago, when the sun was shining and the birds singing, I took a short trip to a patch of prairie and was overjoyed to see the Pasque flowers blooming! This seemingly delicate first flower of spring is actually very hardy. It will even push through snow to bloom. Scattered blossoms adorn the hilltop and in a week or two the carpet will fill in and you will not be able to step without danger of squishing them. They are not yet blooming in the village, at least where I have wandered. In the next couple of weeks, in the prairie by St Martins Hall, they should pop up. Low to the ground, fuzzy stems, light purple blossoms. Just step carefully! 

The spring migration is flowing strongly. New birds are showing up, snow or not. My feeders are really hopping these cold days. The fox sparrows are digging at the ground. Robins come in flocks to the trees. Blackbirds and Grackles swarm the area. There is a lone mourning dove that stops by once a day. Flocks of Flickers are now moving through the area. The Juncos haven't left yet, perhaps they know that north of here isn't ready for them yet. 

The Woodcocks have began their spring courting rituals and can be heard peenting in the dark, if you happen to step outside near an open area. I heard the Barred Owls calling in the woods. There is lots to see and hear, if you can unbundle from the cold weather long enough to look around and listen! 

Pasque Flower blooming on the prairie.

Where The Wild Things Are- The Eagle's Nest

It isn't often that something "big" happens to me in the woods. Today was one of those days! I was walking through the woods, looking for signs of green in the leaf debris. I found scarlet cups scattered around and just a few leaves. I waded back and forth across the creek, saw a possible warbler flitting around the trees. All pretty mundane, and normal for this time of year. As I walked further along, following deer trails, I was pondering making a trail for others to follow through here. I was also amazed that the trail which I trimmed back the brush around last year was so narrow. Nature hates a void!

Stopping for a breath, I gazed around. The I saw it, a huge nest in the top of a tree a ways away! Way too big to be a squirrel nest, maybe, I thought, it would be an owl nest! I went a little closer and zoomed in with my camera. I hoped to see the fuzzy heads of owlets. I saw a motion as a large bird suddenly flew out of the nest. I panned with the camera to get a shot of it and heard the noise of it's wings. I knew right then it wasn't an owl. Owl wings and flight are virtually silent, and I could clearly hear the flaps. It was an Eagle! 

It was making chittering and clacking noises. It was not happy that I was there!. I snapped a couple of shots of the nest and continued on my walk. It kept an "eagle" eye on me. After I was away from the area, it flew back to the nest. My walk took me further away and then, to get back to where I needed to go, I circled the area where the nest was. A second eagle had joined the first, taking over guard duty as the first left to hunt down by the river. 

So how about some facts about eagles? First they mate for life, and they can live 28 years. They do not lay eggs until mature at 4-5 years old, and don't lay eggs every year. Their wingspan is 6-8 feet, these are huge birds! Some time in March or April they will lay 2-3 eggs and incubate them for 35 days. It is most common that only one chick will survive. Some 10 -13 weeks after hatch they will take their first flights. After another 4-5 weeks they will leave the nesting area entirely. 

So, in order to tell you where not to go, as not to disturb their nesting, I feel I must tell you where the nest is. Please do not go near. Eagles will abandon a nest if it receives too much pressure. So here is where it is. If you go South of the Farm, down the tractor path, and then head to the east where the woods border Freemans land, you will be close. There is a strip of pines that go across, east to west. The nest is in the woods, just off the east end of the pines. If you go to the gate through the pines, you should be able to see where the nest is, but I ask that you do not go closer. Once the leaves are on you will not be able to see it at all. If the eagles are doing flybys, you are too close! I am going to see if I can use a scope a couple of times to see if I can see how many hatchlings there are, but it will be from across the fields. 

So that is my excitement for the day! I hope you are finding your own discoveries, as you are blessed to be somewhere that you can get out in nature and enjoy the spring weather!

The Eagle Nest. Photo by Ann Luloff

Where The Wild Things Are- Spring Arrives

It is an ever changing world out there. In the woods and fields the snow still clings in places. Last years leaves carpet the ground and peeking through them are signs of greens. Rosettes of this years plants, started last fall, living through the bitter cold, to spring to life as soon as the sun reaches them. It gives these plants a head start on their fellows. Before the rest of the foliage fills in these spring plants rise up from the brown, bloom quickly, and spend the rest of the summer and fall just hanging out in the shadows. 

To find signs of life look for disturbed soil, it's dark color heats up faster and seeds germinate quickly. The south sides of hills and woods have mostly melted off, providing good walking. Down along the edges of the fens and swamps the springs and seeps are running as usual. With the grass pressed down from the weight of winter it is easier to see where these originate. A bit of mud where animals have come to drink. Water trickling through well worn paths. In some of these wet places water cress if in full production. A favorite spring green for people in times past, it provided needed nutrients after a long Minnesota winter with no access to fresh produce and greens. While I wouldn't recommend eating it out of most standing water, where it grows at the very beginnings of springs, in land that is not polluted, it is pretty safe. 

The mosses are really the highlight of any walk these days. Patches of green in the brown. I came home with a pocket full the other day. I had a moment when I reached in to empty my pockets at the end of the walk, forgetting I had moss in it, and was concerned why my pocket and something wet and soft in it! It goes into my mossarium for later identification. It also gives me a place to stick my nose and inhale that rich, earthy growing smell that I miss so much in the depths of winter. 

The sandhills are back, their prehistoric calls echoing across the empty fields. The ravens are nesting in the pines by Susies cabin. I try to give them their space and let them carry one. Waterfowl are on the river, impatiently waiting for the lakes to open up. It won't be long and the warblers will be here. 

Take walks, drink in the sunshine, and just breathe...

Photo Ann Luloff. A mossy mini forest in the woods.

Where the Wild Things Are- Spring Fever

The snow is melting, sort of, and spring is on it's way. Soon enough the water will be open and the sounds of frogs will echo across the woods and fields. As impatient as I am to get out there, I have spent some time reading books and articles, planning what I want to do when the weather allows. The list is getting long. I want to document the earliest leaves and watch what they develop into. I plan on finding "observation points" and document throughout the whole spring/summer/fall the rise and fall of vegetation and what critters are seen. There will be the ongoing looking for "new " species on Camphill land. But the ones I am really looking forward to will extend my adventures into the nighttime hours! I've done a bit of moth watching, but have become very curious about what fungi out there may be glowing in the dark. This may involve a blue light or UV light and hiking in the dark in the woods. But now I have found an article that tells that they have now found that amphibians are bioflorescent! This means that some part of the animal glows under blue light or UV light! So not only do I have to wander through the woods, I need to go into the wetlands and peer under leaves and logs to find glowing frogs and salamanders! So if you see my vehicle parked somewhere and the sun has gone down, please don't assume that I have fallen and broken something and need rescuing. I may be out for a couple hours or even overnight. The opportunity to watch and learn and study all the aspects of nature is never-ending, and a blessing that I will always appreciate! I hope you get out and get some fresh, not cold enough to damage you air, and sunshine!

Photo by Ann Luloff